steeper than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steeper than usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is more intense or extreme than what is typically expected, often in relation to prices, slopes, or challenges. Example: "The prices for the concert tickets are steeper than usual this year, making it harder for fans to afford them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The learning curve has been steeper than usual this year, but all three finalists have managed to take something from each task.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Beginning Jan . 17 1stdibs.com will offer what its founder, Michael Bruno, imagines as a garage sale for the digital age: a weekly roundup of antiques and vintage furniture sold at discounts that are steeper than usual.

The New York Times

Team on the decline: Cornell has claimed failed to claim at least a share of the regular-season crown in 12 of for only the second time in the past 13 years, but the climb back to the top appears steeper than usual and might get shut out again this spring.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

An expanded selection of groceries and steeper-than-usual discounts helped Wal-Mart increase sales 15percentto to $52.7 billion.

The New York Times

And with the highly anticipated Nintendo game, Super Mario Run, hitting next month on December 15th for the steeper-than-usual price of $9.99 USD for the fully unlocked version, Apple is likely on track to top this November record at the end of the 2016 holidays, as well.

TechCrunch

Graduating early requires more credits than usual.

WikiHow

As the official provider of hospitality packages for the football World Cup, its prices are somewhat steeper than the usual bread-and-butter ticket categories, with packages for games at Brazil 2014 ranging from $700 £4100) up to more than $100,000.

BBC

The malfunction sent the capsule into a backup mode of return that is called a ballistic entry with G-forces that were much higher than usual and a steep trajectory that put it hundreds of miles off course.

The New York Times - Science

"Whether or not the terrible sudden death of his step-daughter Natasha van Kampen earlier this month has steeped his performance in a greater than usual aura of vulnerability, there's a quiet sadness about Rylance that lends melancholy even to the villain's clowning aspect," wrote the Telegraph's Dominic Cavendish.

BBC

A longer-than-usual post today.

The Economist

Start salivating a saltier-than-usual spit.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steeper than usual", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared to the usual or expected level. This phrase is effective for highlighting a significant increase or intensification of something.

Common error

Avoid using "steeper than usual" without establishing a clear baseline for comparison. Ensure the reader understands what 'usual' refers to in your specific context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steeper than usual" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that something is more intense, extreme, or elevated compared to its typical or expected state, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steeper than usual" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to indicate that something is more intense or extreme than what is normally expected. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight deviations from established norms. While it's a valid and effective expression, ensure that the context provides a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Keep in mind that alternatives like "more intense than normal" or "higher than average" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intense than normal

Replaces "steeper" with "more intense" and "usual" with "normal", focusing on the degree of intensity.

more extreme than typical

Substitutes "steeper" with "more extreme" and "usual" with "typical", emphasizing the extremity of the situation.

higher than average

Uses "higher" to convey the increased level, and "average" instead of "usual" for a statistical comparison.

greater than expected

Replaces "steeper" with "greater" and "usual" with "expected", focusing on the surprise element.

more pronounced than ordinary

Uses "more pronounced" to describe the increased effect, and "ordinary" as a substitute for "usual".

sharper than normal

Replace "steeper" with "sharper" emphasizing intensity or impact and "usual" with "normal".

more acute than typical

Replace "steeper" with "more acute" emphasizing severity or sharpness and "usual" with "typical".

more elevated than normal

Replace "steeper" with "more elevated" emphasizing a higher position or level and "usual" with "normal".

more significant than common

Replace "steeper" with "more significant" emphasizing import or consequence and "usual" with "common".

more aggressive than standard

Replace "steeper" with "more aggressive" emphasizing intensity or force and "usual" with "standard".

FAQs

How can I use "steeper than usual" in a sentence?

Use "steeper than usual" to describe something that is more intense or extreme compared to the normal or expected level. For example, "The learning curve was "steeper than usual" this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "steeper than usual"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more intense than normal", "higher than average", or "greater than expected", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "steeper than usual" in formal writing?

Yes, "steeper than usual" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing trends, changes, or comparisons in a clear and concise manner. However, consider if more precise or technical language might be more suitable for certain academic or scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "steeper than usual" and "more than usual"?

"Steeper than usual" specifically implies a sharp increase or intensification, often in a measurable or quantifiable sense, while "more than usual" is a more general term indicating any kind of increase or excess.